PASADENA, Texas — Hundreds of Pasadena ISD students received free eye exams and prescription glasses this week during the annual See to Succeed event at the former Thompson Intermediate School, an initiative aimed at removing barriers to vision care and ensuring learners have adequate sight to flourish in the classroom. 

The program, a collaboration between the Houston Health Department, the City of Pasadena, Pasadena ISD, and the Houston Health Foundation and San Jacinto College Eye Care Tech program, provides no-cost eye exams and glasses to students who need them. 

At Pasadena ISD campuses, nurses identify students with vision deficits through screenings and refer them to the See to Succeed event.

Since 2012, Pasadena ISD has participated in this intiative , with the exception of2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic affected school vision screenings. 

For many families, financial constraints, lack of insurance, and transportation challenges make vision care difficult to obtain. However, this program helps bridge that gap, offering high-quality services at no cost.

This year’s event was especially meaningful as the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees attended and toured the program in action. Their visit highlighted the district’s commitment to student health and academic success, reinforcing the importance of partnerships that remove barriers to learning.

Educators say the benefits extend far beyond clearer vision. Students who receive glasses often show immediate improvements in classroom engagement and attendance. Over time, these changes translate into stronger academic performance, higher confidence, and even better behavior. 

As school nurses, we understand the struggles families face in securing the healthcare their children deserve,” said Shannon Rodgers, Nurse Facilitator for Pasadena ISD’s Department of Health Services. “Bringing See to Succeed to our students feels like a moment of hope, a chance to change a child’s world. This program isn’t just about glasses; it’s about giving students a fair chance to succeed.

The value of See to Succeed has annually proved to be a powerful investment in the future of Pasadena ISD students. Within six to eight weeks, all glasses will be hand-delivered to every school that participated in this year’s screenings, ensuring students have what they need to see and succeed academically and beyond.